Beth El Temple of West Hartford

Shabbat Shirah

Join us January 30-31 to celebrate the Shabbat of Song.

Welcome To Beth El Temple!

Learning

We enjoy and encourage all levels of learning, from our youngest members to our lifelong learners. Discover ways to grow in your faith with us.

Mitzvot

We are cooking, planting, knitting and donating our way to a better world. See how you can join us in making an impact today.

Services

Discover our wide range of worship options, from traditional sanctuary services to Shabbat yoga and outdoor celebrations.

What’s Happening at Beth El Temple

SaturdaySat, 24 JanJanuary, 2026

Motzei Shabbat, Jan 24th 8:00p to 11:00pJoin us Saturday, January 24th for TEMPLE TRIVIA THROWDOWN! Featuring Rob Guilmette, professional trivia master and DJ! Beth El members are welcome to invite non-members to join their teams. Tickets are $25 per person and include beer, wine and other drinks, snacks and desserts, and live entertainment. To secure your seat with early-bird pricing of $25/person, register online by January 9th at midnight.

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TuesdayTue, 27 JanJanuary, 2026

Author Discussion: How Ordinary People Battled Evil in Denmark & South Africa

Tuesday, Jan 27th 7:00p to 8:00pJoin Beth El, Voices of Hope, and Asylum Hill Congregational Church for an evening with Tim Brady, author of A Light in the Northern Sea, and Glenn Frankel, author of Rivonia's Children. Discussing their books, the authors will explore the power of individual heroism. During conditions of terror, when most people comply, why is it that some people will not? How can we build relationships within our interfaith communities to foster courage and partnership? Click in for registration details.

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WednesdayWed, 28 JanJanuary, 2026

Great Jewish Works That Have Changed Rabbi Rosen

Wednesday, Jan 28th 7:00p to 8:00pIn an age of AI, algorithms, and sponsored posts, how do we find the things that are truly impactful? In this three-part class, Rabbi Rosen will share the Jewish books, art, films, and ideas that have shaped his thinking and his rabbinate. Together, we’ll explore the Jewish works that have influenced Rabbi Rosen — and invite you to reflect on the works that have shaped you. Click in for registration details!

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FridayFri, 30 JanJanuary, 2026

Shabbat Shirah: A Weekend of Song

Friday, Jan 30th (All day)

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SundaySun, 1 FebFebruary, 2026

Book Chat with Natalie Segal

Sunday, Feb 1st 9:15a to 11:00aOur very own Natalie Segal has published her first novel, and she's joining Women's Network to talk about it! In "Heroes of the Middle Ages," cousins united by supernatural powers unveiled in menopause but divided by long-held secrets must battle a murderer before she kills one of their own. Click in to register for this free event!

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SundaySun, 8 FebFebruary, 2026

World Wide Wrap & Morning Minyan

Sunday, Feb 8th 9:00a to 11:30aWe invite you to join us for the mitzvah of wrapping tefillin in a special minyan service celebrating the World Wide Wrap with our Men's Club! 3rd – 7th graders will be invited to make their own set of tefillin thanks to Men's Club as part of the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs's (FJMC) "Build a Pair" program.

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FridayFri, 20 FebFebruary, 2026

Shababa

Friday, Feb 20th 5:30p to 7:00pShababa is a fun, engaging “service” for our youngest generation. All children ~8 and under (and their siblings, parents, and grandparents) are welcome to experience the joy of Shabbat with dancing, singing, stories, prayers and children's dinner. RSVP today! Sponsorship opportunities are available – for just $50 you can celebrate a child’s birthday by sponsoring a Shababa. To sponsor a dinner, please contact Dr. Eliyahu Krigel (ekrigel@bethelwh.org or 860-233-9696).

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SaturdaySat, 21 FebFebruary, 2026

Exploring the Siddur: A deep dive into the language, meaning, music, and origins of our prayers

Shabbat, Feb 21st 5:00p to 6:30pBack by popular demand, now expanded with a learner's service and Havdallah! Continuing from our successful summer series, we will meet once a month for a seudah shleesheet (third meal of Shabbat), and a chance to learn with our rabbis/educators about the prayers in our Siddur. New this winter, we are expanding this series to include a learner's Mincha service before, and an in-person havdallah service that will engage all the senses at the end! Adults and teens of all backgrounds are welcome to join; no prior knowledge of Hebrew or the Machzor is necessary. This program is part of the Adult B'nei Mitzvah Program. All are welcome to attend for part or all of the evening, whether or not you are part of the Adult B'nei Mitzvah program. Suggested donation for dinner is $10 per person per session or $40 for the entire series. Click in to register!

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SundaySun, 22 FebFebruary, 2026

Making Hats for IDF Soldiers

Sunday, Feb 22nd 9:30a to 11:30aBeth El Temple's KNITzvah and Women's Network invite you to join us to knit and crochet hats for IDF soldiers! These hats will be worn under soldiers' helmets to keep them warm. Knitters and crocheters of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Bring your own knitting needles or crochet hooks and yarn, or, if you don't have any, we will have extras available for your use. There will also be follow-up "drop in" sessions on Tuesday afternoons through March for those who want to enjoy good company and support as they work. We will provide patterns, assistance in getting started and snacks! Please join us to support these troops and let them know that we care!

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SundaySun, 8 MarMarch, 2026

Package Yellow Candles for Yom HaShoah Remembrance Day

Sunday, Mar 8th 9:15a to 11:30aPlease join Men’s Club to help package Yellow Candles for Yom HaShoah Remembrance Day. Candles will be handed out to SULAM families and mailed to all other families with CT addresses (out-of-state members if requested). Donations can be made payable to Beth El Temple; note “Men’s Club - Yellow Candles” in the memo. All profits go directly to the Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund. Breakfast buffet is included at no charge, starting at 9:15am, after morning minyan. Please RSVP by Monday, March 2, if you will be joining us. Remember please Share the Light, Erev Yom HaShoah, Monday, April 13, 2026. Holocaust Remembrance Day is Monday, April 13, 2026 thru Tuesday sunset, April 14.

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Community

Our inclusive family welcomes you to join us as we come together for celebrations and comfort.

EXPLORE OUR COMMUNITY

Am Yisrael Chai

Click here for ways to help, prayers for Israel, resources, and more ways to support Israel.

SULAM Field Trip to Beth El Cemetery(10 Photos)

SULAM Learners Decorating Siddur Covers(10 Photos)

United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

Sat, January 24 2026 6 Shevat 5786

Contact Us

Beth El Temple
2626 Albany Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06117

(860) 233-9696
(860) 233-9892

Office Hours:
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Monday-Thursday: 8:30am - 4pm
Friday: 8:30am - 2:30pm

SULAM Beth El Educational Program:
(860) 233-9891

DIRECTIONS

Upcoming Events

All Events

Saturday ,
JanJanuary 24 , 2026

Temple Trivia Throwdown
Motzei Shabbat, Jan 24th 8:00p to 11:00p
Join us Saturday, January 24th for TEMPLE TRIVIA THROWDOWN! Featuring Rob Guilmette, professional trivia master and DJ! Beth El members are welcome to invite non-members to join their teams. Tickets are $25 per person and include beer, wine and other drinks, snacks and desserts, and live entertainment. To secure your seat with early-bird pricing of $25/person, register online by January 9th at midnight.
Register Now

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Sunday ,
JanJanuary 25 , 2026

B'nei Mitzvah and Beyond
Sunday, Jan 25th 9:30a to 11:30a
These workshops are an opportunity for you (the parents) and your 6th graders to explore what it means to be a b'nei mitzvah, learn how to have an Aliyah, make a yad, build a sense of community, and so much more. The 6th grader and at least one parent should join us from 9:30-11:30am. You can also join us for the SULAM school service from 9:00-9:20 on those mornings as well.
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Tuesday ,
JanJanuary 27 , 2026

Hearing Men's Voices - Antisemitism & the Gaza War
Tuesday, Jan 27th 6:00p to 8:00p
Men's Club invites Beth El men to join together for a deli dinner, followed by an meaningful discussion about the impact of antisemitism and the war in Gaza on each of us. Hearing Men’s Voices (HMV) is a unique program that engages Jewish men in Jewish life, enabling deeper connections and better relationships among our members. Trained leaders facilitate HMV sessions encouraging men to talk and engage in rich and meaningful dialogues. We’ll share stories, get some advice, and primarily enjoy the fellowship of one another. So come to talk or listen or both, to eat, schmooze, and learn something. Click in for details on how to RSVP (required by Tuesday, January 20).
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Tuesday ,
JanJanuary 27 , 2026

Author Discussion: How Ordinary People Battled Evil in Denmark & South Africa
Tuesday, Jan 27th 7:00p to 8:00p
Join Beth El, Voices of Hope, and Asylum Hill Congregational Church for an evening with Tim Brady, author of A Light in the Northern Sea, and Glenn Frankel, author of Rivonia's Children. Discussing their books, the authors will explore the power of individual heroism. During conditions of terror, when most people comply, why is it that some people will not? How can we build relationships within our interfaith communities to foster courage and partnership? Click in for registration details.
MORE INFO